Assessment of Ecological and Human Health Risks of Heavy Metal Contamination in Agriculture Soils Disturbed by Pipeline Construction

Peng Shi,Yafeng Wang,Jun Xiao,Liding Chen

doi:10.3390/ijerph110302504

Abstract

The construction of large-scale infrastructures such as nature gas/oil pipelines involves extensive disturbance to regional ecosystems. Few studies have documented the soil degradation and heavy metal contamination caused by pipeline construction. In this study, chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) levels were evaluated using Index of Geo-accumulation (Igeo) and Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI) values, and human health risk assessments were used to elucidate the level and spatial variation of heavy metal pollution risks. The results showed that the impact zone of pipeline installation on soil heavy metal contamination was restricted to pipeline right-of-way (RoW), which had higher Igeo of Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb than that of 20 m and 50 m. RI showed a declining tendency in different zones as follows: trench > working zone > piling area > 20 m > 50 m. Pipeline RoW resulted in higher human health risks than that of 20 m and 50 m, and children were more susceptible to non-carcinogenic hazard risk. Cluster analysis showed that Cu, Ni, Pb and Cd had similar sources, drawing attention to the anthropogenic activity. The findings in this study should help better understand the type, degree, scope and sources of heavy metal pollution from pipeline construction to reduce pollutant emissions, and are helpful in providing a scientific basis for future risk management.

Highlights

The ecological impact by linear projects is often the focus of attention in Environmental ImpactAssessments (EIAs)
Pipeline RoW was a high health hazard risk zone and children were more susceptible to non-carcinogenic hazard risks
This study provides important information about the distribution of Cr, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in agricultural soils exposed to environmental stress by pipeline construction

Summary

Introduction

The ecological impact by linear projects is often the focus of attention in Environmental ImpactAssessments (EIAs). There has been little research describing soil heavy metal contamination due to the pipeline construction, and this may result in problems for EIA practitioners who might want to make quantitative assessments involving these activities. The serious concerns about increased heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils are well documented by the increasing number of papers on the subject in recent years. This increase is probably due to metal accumulation in the biota and their toxicity which can harm public health. Large-scale infrastructure construction involves extensive anthropogenic activities and may be another important source of soil heavy metals, resulting in serious environmental problems, especially when the projects pass through agricultural areas

Methods

Results

Conclusion